Wharfedale has unveiled a new range of loudspeakers at the Munich audio fair. The EVO 5 product line includes two monitor models, two floorstanding speakers, and a center channel model, offering buyers a choice of four variations. This series succeeds the EVO 4 Series. The EVO 5.4 and EVO 5.3 floorstanding speakers, along with the largest monitor, the EVO 5.2, are designed as three-way systems featuring dedicated dome mid-range drivers. Although the driver configurations remain similar to the previous generation, the new models boast larger cabinet volumes, enhanced drivers, and updated crossovers, ensuring exceptional sound quality at an affordable price.
Each of the five EVO 5 models incorporates an enhanced version of the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency unit, which was originally created for the EVO 4 series. In contrast to traditional dome tweeters, Wharfedale’s AMT drivers provide reduced distortion along with improved speed and precision. To complement the new AMT high-frequency unit, Wharfedale has refined the midrange driver that was used in the earlier EVO 4 models. This driver, utilized in the three-way EVO 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4, maintains the same 50mm dome diaphragm, engineered to offer a quick, responsive, and wide-bandwidth performance that integrates flawlessly with the tweeters and woofers.
Each of the five EVO 5 models incorporates an enhanced version of the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency unit, which was originally created for the EVO 4 series. In contrast to traditional dome tweeters, Wharfedale’s AMT drivers provide reduced distortion along with improved speed and precision. To complement the new AMT high-frequency unit, Wharfedale has refined the midrange driver that was used in the earlier EVO 4 models. This driver, utilized in the three-way EVO 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4, maintains the same 50mm dome diaphragm, engineered to offer a quick, responsive, and wide-bandwidth performance that integrates flawlessly with the tweeters and woofers.
The EVO 5’s driver output is combined via a redesigned crossover filter, developed through extensive computer modelling and real-world listening tests, with a revised PCB layout that reduces the path length between components and drivers. In the three-way speakers, the circuitry is divided into separate PCBs (one for midrange/treble and one for bass) to minimise potential electromagnetic interference.
Carefully chosen premium polypropylene capacitors and air core coils guarantee that the EVO 5 provides exceptional clarity in the midrange and high frequencies, while laminated silicon-iron core coils reduce signal loss in the low frequencies. This results in outstanding phase consistency and flawless driver integration. Peter Comeau, Director of Acoustic Design at Wharfedale, commented on the EVO 5 series development: ‘The EVO 4 already showcased remarkable technical excellence at an affordable price. By reassessing cabinet volumes, redesigning crossovers, and enhancing drivers with innovative techniques and materials, we have achieved notable advancements in both sound quality and aesthetics in the EVO 5 series, while minimizing cost increases.’
The Wharfedale EVO 5 series will launch in June, featuring finishes in matte black, matte white, matte grey, or walnut veneer. Compatible stands for the EVO 5.1 and 5.2 models are constructed from carbon steel to minimize vibration and sound reflections, ensuring the speakers are positioned at the optimal height.
